Keep Me Ever Close To Thee

Source from whence the stream of mercy
Like a river flows to me,
With Thy cords of love so tender
Bind and keep me close to Thee.

Refrain

Keep me ever close to Thee,
Blessèd Savior, dear to me,
With Thy cords of love so tender
Bind and keep me close to Thee;
Keep me ever close to Thee,
Blessèd Savior, dear to me,
Bind and keep me close to Thee.

Refrain

There my life, my hope and comfort,
There a refuge for my soul,
When the clouds hang darkly round me,
And the distant surges roll.

Refrain

There in holy, sweet communion
With Thy Spirit day by day,
Faith to realms of light and glory
Bears my raptured soul away.

Refrain

Close to Thee, O Savior, keep me,
Till I reach the shining shore,
Till I join the raptured army,
Shouting joy forevermore.

Refrain

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1885

Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby) is the most likely author; the style, refrain structure, and themes of personal devotion and 'cords of love' are characteristic of her work. The hymn appears in late-19th-century collections often credited to her (sometimes with tune by W. H. Doane). No strong alternate attributions are known.